Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For maps, take Hema's
Kimberley Atlas & Guide
($35) or
Regional Map - The Kimber-
ley
($10).
Department of Environment & Conservation
(DEC;
www.dec.wa.gov.au
)
Park permits, camping fees,
info. A Holiday Pass ($40) works out cheaper if visiting more than three parks in one
month.
24hr)
Highway and GRR
Mainroads Western Australia
(MRWA;
138 138;
www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
;
conditions.
Online Resources
(
www.gibbriverroad.net
)
08-9191 0999;
www.sdwk.wa.gov.au
)
Provides side road conditions.
Shire of Derby/West Kimberley
(
08-9168 4100;
www.swek.wa.gov.au
)
Kalumburu/Mitchell Falls
Shire of Wyndham/East Kimberley
(
road conditions.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
KALUMBURU
The road to Kalumburu deteriorates quickly after the Mitchell Plateau turn-off and eventually becomes very
rocky. You'll need a permit from the DIA (
Click here
) to visit Kalumburu and a visitors pass (valid for seven
days) on entry from the
Kalumburu Aboriginal Community
(KAC; 08-9161 4300;
www.kalumburu.org
;
per car $50) . Kalumburu is a picturesque mission nestled beneath giant mango trees and coconut palms with two
shops and
fuel
( 7.30-11.30am & 1.30-4.30pm Mon-Fri) . Ask around if you need any repairs. There's some
interesting rock art nearby, and the odd WWII bomber wreck. You can stay at the
Kalumburu Mission
(
08-9161 4333; kalumburumission@bigpond.com; sites per person $20, donga s/d $120/175) , which has a small
museum
(admission $10; 8.30-10.30am) , or obtain a permit from the KAC office to camp at
Honeymoon
Bay
( 08-9161 4378) or
McGowan Island
( 08-9161 4748;
www.mcgowanisland.com.au
)
, 20km fur-
ther out on the coast - the end of the road. Alcohol is banned at Kalumburu.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Derby to Wyndham & Kununurra
The first 100-odd kilometres of the GRR from Derby are sealed.
After only 4km, Mowanjum Art & Culture Centre (see boxed text,
Click here
), with its
striking Wandjina and Gwion Gwion images, is well worth a stop. Nine kilometres fur-
ther, 2000-hectare
Birdwood Downs Station
( 08-9191 1275;
www.birdwooddowns.com
; camping $13, sa-
vannah huts per person incl breakfast & dinner $135)
offers rustic savannah huts and dusty camping.
